Bayside Getaway

An opulent outing to the Inn at Perry Cabin.

February 24, 2012

6:02 AM

Photos courtesy The Inn at Perry Cabin/Orient Express

Pack up your polos and preppy plaids and set sail. Or use a more modern mode of transport and take the convertible out for a weekend jaunt to St. Michael’s, Maryland. Tie up dockside to the Inn at Perry Cabin nestled in the Chesapeake Bay or make your entrance by the brick driveway lined with blossoming greeters—from daffodils in the spring to roses, Crepe Myrtles and stately trees through the summer and fall. It’s a bayside getaway that is purely pleasurable in every sense.

SIGHTS & SOUNDS

Inside the inn, elegantly appointed accoutrements are balanced by modern nods to nautical themes such as linen curtains, nickel sconces and simply framed black-and-white sailing photos of yesteryear lining the halls. The Inn at Perry Cabin, part of the world-famously lavish Orient Express line of hotels, trains and cruises, was purchased in 2000 from Sir Bernard Ashley and his wife, the famed designer Laura Ashley, whose Victorian-style fabrics and wall coverings add cheer and whimsy throughout. Original furnishings and structures like a bookcase that is actually a hidden door add to the inn’s charm.

The white colonial cabin stretches the grounds with renovations that added luxuriously large master suites, which include decks overlooking the bay or wetlands. Preserved during the remodeling, the wetlands provide habitat for the entertaining chorus of area wildlife such as cranes and osprey. Grand marble bathrooms, many with separate soaking tubs and dual vanities (and we mustn’t forget to mention the array of Molton Brown amenities), a living room complete with roaring fire and cozy seating, and oversized King beds fit for royalty complete the master suite experience, which is often reserved for special occasions like anniversaries and honeymoons. Rates decrease for studios, state rooms and the signature rooms original to the inn—all are quite lovely and lead to decks, patios and English gardens which are perfectly pet-friendly. While romantic rooms invite you to stay inside, the outdoors is what definitely sets the scene for The Inn at Perry Cabin, situated on 25 acres along the Miles River (a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay) and the resort town of St. Michael’s.

Sail in for dinner or stay a while.

Romantic bike rides, sunsets and mornings shimmering on the bay, strolling the grounds, the gardens and the Victorian town of St. Michael’s are all among the attractions. Charter a sunset sail or learn to sail like a pro by enrolling in the on-site sailing school. There’s even a maritime museum right next door. As the inn’s general manager John Volponi says, “You can do as much or as little as you want. Sail, dine, kick back with a good book …” Or do absolutely nothing at all if you like. It’s enough just to sit back in the Adirondack chairs that look out onto the bay and soak it all in.

A TASTEFUL EXCURSION

Upon arrival (check-in is at 3pm), stick around for the afternoon tea service set in the Laura Ashley-style sitting room where you can watch the boats come and go, or,head over to The Purser’s Pub (named for Purser Hambleton who built the inn) to enjoy one of the specialty cocktails such as the Old Bay Bloody Mary or the Commodore’s Cosmo (for the Inn’s namesake Commodore Perry). Be sure to have a “nautical nibble” while you’re there. Chef Mark Salter’s signature crab spring rolls with almonds, avocado and grapefruit are a must-have taste of summer bliss. Rumor has it that they’re the dish that got him the job as executive chef more than 15 years ago.

Chef Salter blends the flavors of the bay with a bevy of international training and experience at the Inn at Perry Cabin’s Sherwood Landing, where breakfast, lunch and

dinner are served as you continue to enjoy the charms of the inn, including the collection of antique oyster plates displayed in the dining room. Superior service and hospitality are a given with the Orient Express group. Order room service or take in the view of the bay from the restaurant—either way, the selections are scrumptious.

Breakfasts host savory and sweet selections, from lobster hash with poached egg and citrus hollandaise to Belgian waffles with mascarpone, figs and toasted walnuts. Lunches can be sit-down or packed up picnic style to take along on a sail or a bike ride around the grounds. An elegant evening always awaits at Sherwood’s Landing whether you’re staying at the inn or just sailing in for dinner. Starters like curried tuna tartare with spiced mango and scallion apple crème fraiche or a tasting of the Chesapeake Bay tantalize the palette for the next course.

For light summer fare, native rockfish is an area favorite.

Chef Salter’s signature honey and tarragon glazed shank of lamb with Parmentier potatoes, leeks, glazed baby vegetables and sun-dried tomato sauce is one land lover’s option. His tenderloin of beef served with a leek and wild mushroom strudel, braised celery heart and Madeira truffle sauce is a rich and savory indulgence. For light summer fare (because you do want to save room for dessert), native rockfish is an area favorite. Chef Salter serves his seared local rockfish atop gingered snow peas with a light sherry cream sauce alongside baby kohlrabi (a mini mild turnip bulb) and a sweet potato gratin. And since you saved room for dessert, the coconut lime soufflé served with mango sorbet is a heavenly finish.

RELAXING TOUCH

The 100-year-old linden trees lining the driveway adjacent to the spa were the namesake and inspiration for the Linden Spa completed in 2007. Wellness programs, Pilates and yoga classes, a fitness room, modern saunas made of marble, metal and glass, and the infinity-edge pool (perfect for laps or just lounging by the pool bar) complete the ultimate experience in relaxation. And relax you will at the Linden Spa. Choose from restorative body treatments and nourishing facials—there’s even a menu of services expressly for men. The “botanical art of wellness” at the Linden Spa is influenced by colonial rituals that utilize the benefits of native flora. The Five Flower Solace, their signature treatment, is as relaxing as it is rejuvenating. In this treatment, the body is covered in a warm clay mixture infused with the petals of five local flowers, followed by a body wrap that allows the clay to harden and penetrate as it exfoliates. A four-head shower that follows rinses away the petals and clay to reveal soft silky skin. As if that wasn’t relaxing enough, a stress relieving massage using the flowers’ essential oils rubs away any residual worries. After your spa treatment, a nature-inspired relaxation room awaits as you soak in the beauty of your calmness and, of course, the surrounding elements and gardens. Pressed local flowers adorn the walls while the sounds of nature soothe. Curl into terry cloth covered branch chairs as you relax with herb tea, nuts and fruit. You’ll feel so relaxed and pampered, you may never want to leave.

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